NASA’s Ames Research Center is recognizing and celebrating
National Women’s History Month and the contributions of female
scientists, researchers and managers to the space program.
Media representatives will have the opportunity to speak with Ames
researchers and administrators, who will share their experiences at
NASA and discuss contributions made by women to NASA’s aeronautics
and space programs. Participants also will address issues related to
education and career opportunities for young girls and women.
"We want to let the world know about the great research and
innovations NASA women have made and continue to make," said
NASA Ames community relations coordinator Sheila Johnson.
"What NASA does affects not only astronauts in space, but also
people here on Earth," said Winifred Huo, NASA Ames’
computational chemistry group lead. "Women should realize that
the research we have done and technologies we continue to develop may
improve their health and lifestyle."
"One day, instead of going through traumatizing biopsy, women
will go through a painless breast cancer detection procedure using
the NASA Smart Surgical Probe," said NASA Ames chief scientist
Stephanie Langhoff. "During pregnancy, our daughters could
swallow a NASA pill transmitter that will allow them to monitor the
fetus. NASA cares about women’s welfare, and there are incredible
women who help the agency to succeed in its mission," she
added.
The official celebration of women’s accomplishments began in 1978
when the Sonoma County, Calif., government sponsored Women’s History
Week to promote the teaching of women’s history. In 1981, Congress
passed a resolution making the week a national celebration, and in
1987 Congress expanded the celebration to the full month of March,
making it National Women’s History Month.
More information about NASA’s women’s outreach initiative is
available at: http://www.nasa.gov/women/
